Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the EU Ombudsman report on unpaid internships in the European External Action Service with his EU colleagues; if he will recommend action on the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54136/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I noted in my response to the Deputy regarding this matter on 13 July 2017, the EU Ombudsman report on unpaid internships in the European External Action Service is an “own initiative” report that has not been the subject of formal discussion among EU foreign ministers. I noted also that the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission Mogherini has responded to the EU Ombudsman on the report outlining how the EEAS internship programme will be revised from 2018 and I will monitor progress in that regard with interest.

Ireland participates in the “EEAS Junior Professionals in EU Delegations” paid programme. In addition my own Department offers a limited number of paid 11 month internships for graduates which are advertised on the career opportunities section on our website www.dfa.ie. Paid internship positions also arise from time to time with the Department’s Development Cooperation Division, which administers the Irish Aid programme.